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Another gearing setup question

Bob IrwinBob Irwin
in General Training Discussions

Going to get a 12x28 cassette for hilly courses.  I currently have an 11x25 which I'll continue to use much of the time.  i'll probably get a new chain when I get the new cassette.  Will a single chain work OK with that much difference in the cassettes?  Do I determine chain length using the 25 or the 28?  Or does it matter?  thanks

Comments

  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    I would get the 28 first and see if the same chain works with the 25 and the 28. If not, then you have your answer. Put the 28 on and go to a bike shop to have them install (cut to the right length) the new chain.

  • Bob IrwinBob Irwin
    Rich - that would certainly be the easy way to figure it out. I just thought someone might know the answer - if a single chain wouldn't work with a 28, then I might go to a 27. But I probably shouldn't let changing a chain drive my gearing selection. If there are many hills, I need all the gears I can get. It's not any harder to change a chain than it is to change the cassette.
  • Paul ScholzPaul Scholz

     you are not going to want to use the same chain with two different cassettes (wear, stretch, and shifting will likely all be different). They aren't that expensive and it is easier to swap chains then to have to cut/add links. 

    a normal chain will work with a 28 and have to be cut for a 25 and below

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    I use the same chain for 11-23 thru 12-27, with my compact (50/34) Quarq (front derailleur adjusted for the compact, of course).
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    I've never had to change a chain, and I don't change the chain, when going from 21 all the way up to a 28.

    The exception is when I break the glass to take out the mtn bike RDR and 34-12 cassette for really, really stupid rides...

  • manconamancona
    I use the same chain with everything from a 11-23 to 12-27 in the back and both my compact and standard.

    I just have my chain length so it is just a tad shorter then recommended from the 12-27 and it works out prefect as it is just a tad longer then it really should be for the 23. Zero shifting problems, and I change wheels and cassettes all the time.

    The only thing I will note is that with my setup I can't ride in the 54 up front and the 27 in the back as that is too tight for the chain, however that is a server cross chain situation that you should never be in anyway and if I need a 27 in the back I'm not running the 54 up front anyway, so it has never been an issue.
  • Bob IrwinBob Irwin
    Rich & Matt - just got the 12-28 in the mail yesterday - should make going up Mt. Diablo on Saturday a little easier. My chain was fit for my 11-25, so it will probably be fine. As you say, I never use the 50-25 combination, so there's certainly no reason to use the 50-28. Thanks
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